The Paramedic Method Of Revision Developed By Richard Lanham

The Paramedic Method Of Revision Developed By Richard Lanham Is An E

The Paramedic Method of revision, developed by Richard Lanham, is an easy sentence-level revision method that can help you turn wordy, passive, unclear, or overly long sentences into clear and concise ones. This handout explains how to apply the method to your sentences. For more, see Lanham’s book Revising Prose. Lanham’s directions for applying the PM to a sentence: 1. Circle the prepositions. 2. Circle (or box) the "is" forms. 3. Ask "Who is kicking whom?" 4. Put that "kicking" action into a simple (not compound) active verb. 5. Start fast - no mindless introductions.

Common prepositions include: of, in, about, for, on, to, by. Constructions using prepositions can create wordiness; look for opportunities to revise. Eliminating unnecessary prepositions can make sentences more concise. For example, "Bill is kicked by Jim" can be revised to "Jim kicks Bill."

Circle or box the "is" verb forms—be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been—and replace passive or weak verb constructions with active verbs to improve clarity. For instance, "Bill is kicked by Jim" becomes "Jim kicks Bill." The choice of verb tense and voice should reflect the intended meaning. Use passive voice to obscure the doer or when the doer is unknown; otherwise, prefer active voice.

Ask "Who is kicking whom?" to identify the action and the doer. Then, put that action into a simple, active verb form, making the doer the subject of the sentence: "Jim kicks Bill." Avoid unnecessary compound verbs like "Jim proceeds to kick Bill."

Begin sentences quickly—avoid unnecessary introductory words or phrases that delay your main point. Phrases such as "The fact of the matter is that" or "Due to the fact that" rarely add essential information and should be cut to improve clarity.

Example of the Paramedic Revision Method: The original paragraph is cluttered with wordy and cumbersome constructions. Applying the method, identify prepositions and "is" verbs, then revise for conciseness and clarity. The original paragraph discusses art and censorship, uses many prepositions ("of," "by," "in") and passive constructions ("being tread on," "is to be"). The revised paragraph reduces prepositions from 30 to 9, "is" forms from 6 to 1, and improves clarity and readability (from 216 words to 129).

The revised paragraph states: "Brilliant's examples show that provocative art causes predictable reactions—reaction sets in and museums close. Artists seek to raise political concerns, as in the example of viewers treading on the American flag, which supports her claim that art focuses on politics. The Cincinnati sheriff's attempt to shut down the Maplethorpe exhibit illustrates that censorship hampers democracy. These examples demonstrate that art can raise valid political points but may be condemned by unthinking authorities."

Applying the Paramedic Method to Your Writing: Highlight prepositions, circle "is" verbs, find the action, and revise sentences to put the action and subject front and center. Read aloud to ensure the sentences sound natural and emphasize clarity. Aim to remove unnecessary words and phrases, focusing on the real action and making sentences direct and lively.

This process helps improve writing clarity, strength, and efficiency, making your prose more impactful and easier to understand. Practice regularly to develop an instinct for identifying weak constructions and rewriting for maximum effect, leading to more effective communication.

Paper For Above instruction

The Paramedic Method, devised by Richard Lanham, offers a practical and effective way to improve sentence clarity and conciseness. It emphasizes identifying weak, wordy, and passive constructions and replacing them with lively, active, and straightforward sentences. This method is particularly useful for writers aiming to sharpen their prose, eliminate wordiness, and improve overall readability.

At its core, the Paramedic Method involves five key steps. First, the writer circles prepositions—words like of, in, about, for, on, to, by—to pinpoint constructions that often lead to wordiness. These prepositional phrases can sometimes be replaced with more direct expressions, reducing clutter. For example, “I sent a letter in reply to...” can be condensed to “I replied,” streamlining the sentence.

Second, the method instructs to identify and circle the "is" verb forms—verbs like is, am, are, was, were, being, been—that often serve as weak links in sentence construction. These are frequently part of passive voice or excessive linking verbs that cause sentences to sound vague or lumbering. Replacing passive "is" forms with active verbs energizes the sentence, making it clearer and more direct. For instance, “Bill is kicked by Jim” becomes “Jim kicks Bill.”

Third, the writer asks the crucial question, "Who is kicking whom?" This step clarifies the action and the doer, which may be obscured in complex or overly formal sentences. Identifying the actual action and actor helps rewrite the sentence into a straightforward, active voice statement. For example, rather than a passive complex, “A kicking situation between Jim and Bill,” the sentence becomes “Jim kicks Bill.”

Fourth, once the action is pinpointed, the revision involves transforming it into a simple, active verb with the subject as the doer. This means restructuring sentences so that the subject performs the action directly, avoiding unnecessary auxiliary or compound verbs. For example, “Jim proceeds to kick Bill” simplifies to “Jim kicks Bill.” This streamlining enhances clarity and brevity.

Finally, the fifth step emphasizes starting sentences promptly—avoiding lengthy preambles or clichéd phrases such as "The fact of the matter is that" or "Due to the fact that." Instead, get to the main point quickly, making sentences lively and engaging. This not only tightens prose but also improves reader engagement.

The effectiveness of the Paramedic Method is best illustrated through examples. Consider a verbose paragraph discussing art, censorship, and political reactions. Before revision, the paragraph is laden with prepositions, passive voice, and unnecessary words. After applying the method, the paragraph becomes more concise, with fewer prepositions, active constructions, and sharper focus—improving overall clarity and impact.

Practicing the Paramedic Method involves highlighting prepositions, circling passive "is" verbs, identifying the real action and actor, and rewriting sentences to prioritize clarity and immediacy. Reading sentences aloud helps ensure they sound natural and energized. Regular application of these steps develops an intuitive sense for identifying and fixing weak sentence structures, leading to more persuasive and effective writing.

In conclusion, Richard Lanham’s Paramedic Method serves as a practical, accessible approach to cleaning up writing. By focusing on the core actions and eliminating clutter, writers can produce sentences that are clear, vigorous, and engaging. Mastery of this method can significantly enhance one’s ability to communicate ideas effectively, whether in academic, professional, or creative contexts.

References

• Lanham, R. (1993). Revising Prose. University of California Press.
• Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The Elements of Style (4th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
• Hacker, D. (2010). The Bedford Handbook (8th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Bartholomae, D., & Petrosky, A. R. (2011). Ways of Reading: An Anthology for Writers. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Fowler, H. W., & Lofts, M. (2010). Modern English Usage. Oxford University Press.
• Zinsser, W. (2006). On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction. HarperCollins.
• Hart, M. (2019). The Art of Clear Writing. Oxford University Press.
• Williams, J. M. (2010). Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Pearson.
• Trimmer, J. (2014). Effective Communication Skills. Routledge.
• Reynolds, G. (2017). The Writer's Voice: Strategies for Effective Writing. Palgrave Macmillan.